Some of my favourite fashion moments and memories from 2017:
My Focus on Mental Health
2016 was a difficult year for me personally, so when this past year rolled around, I made it a goal to focus on mental health and wellness, ensuring I spent time outside, reflecting and finding mindfulness while living in the moment.
Our New Home
After a long delay, we finally moved into our first home back in late February and were able to share our first two room reveals. Up next, once it’s finished, will be the nursery which we have been putting together for a few weeks now.
Styling The Bump
Trevor and I planned to start a family in early 2018 and were fortunate to get pregnant right away. Since then, my pregnancy has not been so easy as I’ve struggled with morning sickness, carpal tunnel and lots of hip and joint pain. We are now reaching the end (37 weeks currently) and could not be more excited to welcome our baby into our family.
2018 will be an exciting year filled with more changes than ever before, and cannot wait to share all of details with you. I also wanted to shout out to some of the amazing brands I partnered with this year; Delta Faucet Canada, Clearly, Tobi, Carry Maternity, Pink Blush, Daniel Wellington, Coach, One of a Kind Show, and Westowne Mazda. If you are interested in working together in 2018 please contact me (barbara.ann.solomon@gmail.com) or Lindsay @ Shine Influencers (lindsay@shineinfluencers.com).
Can’t wait to meet you in 2018.
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Growing up, my family had our seasonal traditions. In the fall I looked forward to a fun filled day at Chudleigh’s Apple Farm, where we would fill bags with freshly picked apples to bake into pies and make into apple sauce. My memories of this magical farm were vivid, rows and rows of trees, adorable animals, tractor rides and the feeling of family and tradition.
It had been years since I had gone, when last year, Trevor and I decided to venture out to Milton, Ontario and pick some apples. I shared the wonderful experience of the late fall day on my Instagram here, here and here. We picked 2 bags of apples, and purchased some of the delectable pre-made pies, which inspired us to make our own, which we did a few days later.
I’ve since been looking forward to my return this year, not only for the beautiful scenery for some blog photos, but also to indulge in more of their delicious apples (and pies – I love pie). Last month, I got invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my favourite farm, and I don’t think I’ve ever RSVPed quicker to an event. I couldn’t wait to visit and celebrate one of my favourite spots, and bring Taco along for the adventures.
The weather was perfect for a late summer weekend, and we spent the day frolicking around Chuleigh’s and enjoying Sunrise apples right off the tree. Taco loved his first bites of apple and was in heaven once we got to the fields. We also enjoyed their savoury blossoms, new to their store this fall, with options like pizza, pulled pork, tuna melts and mac & cheese, I indulged in almost every flavour.
It’s easy to say that I cannot wait to go back again this season, picking up few more bags of apples and letting Taco enjoy the beautiful farm.
Dress: Isabel Maternity from Target, Sunglasses: C/O Main & Central by Clearly.ca, Sneakers: Superga, Earrings: Emily Valentine
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I’m a T-Rex. At least that’s what I tell myself everyday. Allow me to explain.
A few years ago, when I was suffering from my first round of anxiety in my adulthood, my loving husband (boyfriend at the time) went out and purchased me a dragon (they didn’t carry dinos at the time) Kigurumi suit from Japan. His theory for the animal he chose for me was that, “no matter how bad my day was or how I felt, I could come home and be strong and brave like a Tyrannosaurus”. And it worked, to this day I still come home, after bad days, and he’ll find me curled up in my suit.
So when Coach launched their Rexy collection in 2015 (as a bag charm), I was OBSESSED. It was on my wish list from the second I saw it on the runway. For F/W 2016, Rexy starred in her own capsule collection and appeared with her wild beast friends on bags, charms and some insanely amazing clothes (this jacket), and it was my chance to snag a piece. I must say it was love at first sight.
Coat: Banana Republic, Sweater: Alice and Olivia, Skirt: Tanya Taylor, Boots: Topshop Canada, Glasses: Kam Dhillon from Clearly.ca, Bag: C/O Coach
Photography by 2Boo Studio
Coat Confessions: Part 3 Winter Formal Edition
Coat Confessions: Part 4 – The Denim Details
I’ve never been so happy to see the end of a year come. 2016 was rough, emotionally for me, and the last few weeks I’ve spent focused on my health and wellness, which will continue through into 2017 and hopefully make it my most successful year. Thank you for all of the love and support this past year!
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For the last few weeks, Fashion Magazine has asked their style panel to discuss this season’s top colour trends, Metallics and millennial pink. Without realizing it, I basically wore the same outfit twice. My love for these trends is real.
Read about Metallics
Read about millennial pink
Metallics: Sweatshirt: Skinny Sweats, Skirt: Pink Tartan, Boots: Zara, Frames: Clearly.ca, Earrings & Necklace: Catbird
Millennial pink: Blazer: Theory, Sweater: Halogen Cashmere, Pants: Topshop Canada, Earrings: Vintage, Glasses: Clearly.ca, Shoes: Carven x Robert Clergerie at The Room
Photography by 2Boo Studio
Being a blogger, I’ve come to learn a few tips and tricks to styling insta-worthy pieces that can guarantee to be a hit on your social media accounts. Other than nailing a great pose with ideal natural lighting, I like to let my statement pieces shine but ensuring that other elements are toned-down. Fashion Magazine asked their style panel to style a pair heels from Ecco’s new fall collection – which is bringing a new era of high heels that look as good as they feel and here is what I said.
Photography : 2Boo Studio
Jacket: Marc Jacobs, Dress: Diane Von Frustenberg, Mary- Janes: C/O Ecco, Glasses: Xavier Garcia from The Eyeglass Factory, Watch: C/O Daniel Wellington
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It’s getting to be that confusing transitional time of the year, when not only am I dying to wear my new (and old) fall pieces, but also am exhausted by the summer options. The days are still so hot, and it’s impossible to be layering knits and textures yet. So, I’m left with getting creative, and finding new ways to wear my fall favourites, early.
I’ve folded down a vintage dress shirt, that is a little big on me, and tucked in the collar. Then I tied the hanging sleeve with the bottom of the shirt, giving it that belted look, creating a very on-trend and updated asymmetrical top. Paired with simple culottes and my trusty mules, I’ve styled a classic look with an updated twist.
Shirt: vintage, Culottes: WhoWhatWear x Target, Mules: Design Lab from Hudson’s Bay, Earrings: Erickson Beamon from The Room, Glasses: Kam Dhillion from Clearly.ca
Photography: 2Boo Studio
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Last week, Fashion Magazine asked their style panel about how they pack for a summer vacation. Next week Trevor and I are heading to New York on a city adventure, filled with humid and hot days. So here is what I said that I needed to have with me. Please let us know in the comments your favourite places in New York.
I also am wearing my newest addition to my growing eyewear collection from the new Retro Flux line by Derek Cardigan for Clearly.ca. And I’m absolutely obsessed with not only the amazing colour and the cat-eye shape, but the metal finish on them is just so stunning. The line comes in 4 beautiful colours, but I knew I needed a pair of frames that would contrast my hair, and the Kelly Green are perfection.
Dress: Marimekko for Target, Mules: Zara, Glasses: c/o Derek Cardigan for Clearly.ca
Photo: 2Boo Studio
Last week Fashion Magazine asked their style panel how they planned to show skin this summer. Here is what I said.
Tank: Helmut Lang, Skirt: 424 Fifth at Hudson’s Bay, Glasses: Clearly.ca
Photography 2Boo Studio
Spring time has got me very confused. There is no real consistency in the weather or when it comes to preparing for spring outfits and outings, the only way to survive is to be ready for everything. On cooler days, like last week when Trevor and I were running around downtown, the temperatures were bouncing around 10 degrees (50 fahrenheit) and depending on where you were and if you were in the sun or not, it was freezing and windy. Armed with a warm drink, and an extra layer, we were ready for anything.
I typically lean towards leather jackets during this season, but since this year’s biggest fabric trend is clearly denim, especially raw and embroidered, I’ve been loving the attention to the versatile staple. My perfect denim coat for 2016 is all about embellishments, and Marc Jacobs nailed it with studs, stars and even a sequins cherry patch. Paired with the must-have cut for denim pants, flares, I was warm until we approached a terribly windy section of Queen St. where we grabbed another coffee to warm up.
Read the part 1, 2 & 3 of my Coat Confession series.
Coat: Marc Jacobs, Turtleneck: Picadilly, Jeans: Madewell, Platforms: Vagabond, Watch: Movado, Glasses: Derek Cardigans, Phone case: Face
Photography by Trevor Negin
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